Treatment

Antibiotics do not treat this type of lung infection. Medicines that treat viruses may work against some pneumonias caused by influenza and the herpes family of viruses. These medicines may be tried if the infection is caught early.

Treatment may also involve:

Corticosteroid medicines

Increased fluids

Oxygen

Use of humidified air

A hospital stay may be needed if you are unable to drink enough and to help with breathing if oxygen levels are too low.

People are more likely to be admitted to the hospital if they:

Are older than 65 years or are children

Are unable to care for themselves at home, eat, or drink

Have another serious medical problem, such as a heart or kidney problem

Have been taking antibiotics at home and are not getting better

Have severe symptoms

However, many people can be treated at home. You can take these steps at home:

Control your fever with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen), or acetaminophen. DO NOT give aspirin to children because it may cause a dangerous illness called Reye syndrome.

DO NOT take cough medicines without first talking to your provider. Cough medicines may make it harder for your body to cough up sputum.

Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm.

Get a lot of rest. Have someone else do chores.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most cases of viral pneumonia are mild and get better without treatment within 1 to 3 weeks. Some cases are more serious and require a hospital stay.

Possible Complications

More serious infections can result in respiratory failure, liver failure, and heart failure. Sometimes, bacterial infections occur during or just after viral pneumonia, which may lead to more serious forms of pneumonia.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Prevention

Wash your hands often, after blowing your nose, going to the bathroom, diapering a baby, and before eating or preparing food.

DO NOT smoke. Tobacco damages your lungs' ability to ward off infection.

A drug called palivizumab (Synagis) may be given to children under 24 months old to prevent RSV.

The flu vaccine, is given each year to prevent pneumonia caused by the flu virus. Those who are older and those with diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, or weakened immune systems should be sure to get the flu vaccine.

If your immune system is weak, stay away from crowds. Ask visitors who have a cold to wear a mask and wash their hands.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2018, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.